guòwèn: 过问 - To Inquire About, To Concern Oneself With, To Get Involved In

• Keywords: guowen, 过问, guowen meaning, what does guowen mean, Chinese word for interfere, to get involved in, show concern in Chinese, ask about, guowen vs guanxin, HSK 5.
• Summary: The Chinese verb `guòwèn (过问)` means to take an active interest in a matter, often by inquiring about it or getting involved. It goes beyond a simple question, implying a sense of responsibility, authority, or a right to know. Depending on the context and the speaker's role, “guowen” can have a positive meaning of showing responsible care (like a manager checking on a project), a neutral meaning of official inquiry, or a negative meaning of meddling or interfering in someone's private affairs. Understanding `guòwèn` is key to navigating social hierarchies and responsibilities in China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guò wèn
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To show an interest in, inquire about, or get involved with a matter.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `过问` as “asking with purpose.” It's not just a casual question. It's an inquiry made by someone who feels they have a stake in the outcome, whether it's a boss, a parent, or a government official. The act of `过问` signals that the person is now involved and may take further action. It carries a weight of authority or responsibility that a simple `问` (wèn, “to ask”) does not have.

• 过 (guò): The primary meaning of this character is “to pass,” “to cross,” or “to go through.” It suggests a process or an action that has duration and substance.
• 问 (wèn): This character means “to ask” or “to inquire.” The character is a pictogram of a mouth (口) inside a gate or door (门), evoking the image of someone asking a question upon entering a place.
• Combined Meaning: The two characters together, “pass-ask,” create a meaning that is more active than just asking. It implies that the inquiry is part of a larger action or process of oversight. You aren't just asking a question and moving on; you are “passing through” the matter by means of inquiry.

• In Chinese culture, hierarchy and social roles often define the appropriateness of `过问`. It is not only acceptable but often expected for someone in a position of authority to `过问` the affairs of those under their care or supervision. A manager `过问` an employee's work is seen as responsible leadership. A parent `过问` a child's studies is seen as proper parenting. This stems from a collectivist and somewhat paternalistic cultural value where leaders and elders have a duty of care.
• Contrast with Western Culture: This can differ significantly from the Western, particularly American, emphasis on individualism and personal boundaries. In the U.S., a boss who starts to `过问` an employee's personal life might be seen as intrusive or “micromanaging.” In a Chinese context, while still potentially unwelcome, it could also be interpreted as a sign of `关心` (guānxīn), or deep personal concern, blurring the lines between the professional and personal. The right to `过问` is often tied to one's relationship (`关系 guānxi`) and role relative to the other person.

`过问` is a flexible word used in various settings, with its connotation changing based on who is speaking and about what.

• In the Workplace (Positive/Neutral): A manager will `过问` the progress of a project or the well-being of their team. This is a standard part of `管理` (guǎnlǐ - management).
  • e.g., “The CEO personally inquired about this matter.”
• In the Family (Positive/Neutral): Parents and grandparents frequently `过问` a child's schoolwork, health, and even their social life. This is viewed as a natural expression of parental love and responsibility.
  • e.g., “My mom always asks about how my studies are going.”
• Personal Affairs (Negative): When used between peers or regarding private matters, `过问` takes on the negative meaning of “meddling” or “interfering.” It's often used with `别` (bié - don't) or `不要` (búyào - don't) to draw a boundary.
  • e.g., “This is my private business, don't interfere.”
• Official/Formal Contexts (Neutral): Government bodies or officials `过问` a case or situation, which implies an official investigation or intervention is taking place.
  • e.g., “The higher-ups have started to look into this incident.”

• Example 1:
  • 老板亲自过问了这个项目的进展。
  • Pinyin: Lǎobǎn qīnzì guòwèn le zhège xiàngmù de jìnzhǎn.
  • English: The boss personally inquired about the progress of this project.
  • Analysis: This has a positive connotation. The boss's personal involvement (`亲自 qīnzì`) shows that the project is important and that he is a responsible leader.
• Example 2:
  • 这是我的私事，你最好不要过问。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ de sīshì, nǐ zuìhǎo búyào guòwèn.
  • English: This is my private matter, you'd better not get involved.
  • Analysis: Here, `过问` clearly means “meddle” or “interfere.” It's used to set a firm boundary.
• Example 3:
  • 他对家里的事情一概不过问，只顾着自己玩。
  • Pinyin: Tā duì jiālǐ de shìqing yígài bú guòwèn, zhǐ gùzhe zìjǐ wán.
  • English: He doesn't concern himself with family matters at all, he only cares about having his own fun.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the negative `不` (bù) to criticize someone's lack of responsibility and care.
• Example 4:
  • 谢谢你的关心，但这点小事就不用您过问了。
  • Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ de guānxīn, dàn zhè diǎn xiǎoshì jiù búyòng nín guòwèn le.
  • English: Thank you for your concern, but there's no need for you to trouble yourself with such a small matter.
  • Analysis: This is a polite way of refusing someone's involvement, often said to a superior or elder (note the use of `您 nín`). It acknowledges their right to ask but suggests it's unnecessary.
• Example 5:
  • 上级部门已经开始过问此次安全事故。
  • Pinyin: Shàngjí bùmén yǐjīng kāishǐ guòwèn cǐ cì ānquán shìgù.
  • English: The higher-level department has already begun to inquire into this safety incident.
  • Analysis: This is a formal, neutral use of the term. It means an official inquiry or intervention has been launched.
• Example 6:
  • 妈妈每天都会过问我的学习情况。
  • Pinyin: Māma měitiān dūhuì guòwèn wǒ de xuéxí qíngkuàng.
  • English: My mom asks about my study situation every day.
  • Analysis: This is a very common scenario for Chinese students. It shows parental care and oversight, which is culturally expected.
• Example 7:
  • 我只是随便过问一下，你别多心。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhǐshì suíbiàn guòwèn yíxià, nǐ bié duōxīn.
  • English: I'm just casually inquiring, don't read too much into it.
  • Analysis: The speaker is trying to soften the potential feeling of interference that `过问` might create by adding `随便` (suíbiàn - casually).
• Example 8:
  • 只要原则问题，他都会过问到底。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyào shì yuánzé wèntí, tā dūhuì guòwèn dàodǐ.
  • English: As long as it's a matter of principle, he will get involved until the very end.
  • Analysis: This portrays someone as having strong principles and a sense of justice, showing a very positive use of `过问`.
• Example 9:
  • 这件事很复杂，我们最好还是别过问。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì hěn fùzá, wǒmen zuìhǎo háishì bié guòwèn.
  • English: This matter is very complicated, we'd better not get involved.
  • Analysis: Here, `过问` means “to get involved.” The advice is to stay out of it to avoid trouble.
• Example 10:
  • 自从他离职后，公司里的大小事情他都再也没过问过。
  • Pinyin: Zìcóng tā lízhí hòu, gōngsī lǐ de dàxiǎo shìqíng tā dōu zài yě méi guòwèn guo.
  • English: Ever since he resigned, he hasn't concerned himself with any of the company's affairs, big or small.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes a complete separation or lack of interest after a change in role.

• `过问` (guòwèn) vs. `关心` (guānxīn): This is the most crucial distinction.
  • `关心` (guānxīn) means “to be concerned about” or “to care about.” It is primarily an emotion or attitude. “我很关心你” (I'm very concerned about you).
  • `过问` (guòwèn) means “to concern oneself with.” It is an action of inquiry or involvement, often stemming from a position of authority or responsibility.
  • You can `关心` someone from afar without ever `过问`-ing their business. `过问` is the active step of getting involved.
• `过问` (guòwèn) vs. `问` (wèn):
  • `问` (wèn) is simply “to ask.” It's neutral and can be used for any question.
  • `过问` implies asking with a purpose of oversight, management, or intervention.
  • Incorrect: `我想过问一下现在几点了？` (I want to meddle and find out what time it is?)
  • Correct: `我想问一下现在几点了？` (I'd like to ask what time it is?)
• Common Pitfall: English speakers might overuse `过问` thinking it's a more formal way “to ask.” Remember, it carries the weight of involvement and authority. For simple, everyday questions, always use `问` (wèn) or `请问` (qǐngwèn).

• 关心 (guānxīn) - To be concerned about; expresses the emotional care that might motivate someone to `过问`.
• 干涉 (gānshè) - To interfere, to meddle. This is a stronger, more explicitly negative word than `过问`. If `过问` is “getting involved,” `干涉` is “unwelcome interference.”
• 插手 (chāshǒu) - Literally “to insert a hand.” A very vivid and usually negative term for getting involved in something that isn't your business.
• 负责 (fùzé) - To be responsible for. The person who is `负责` for a task or a team has the right and duty to `过问` it.
• 管理 (guǎnlǐ) - To manage, to supervise. The act of `管理` inherently involves `过问`-ing many things.
• 打听 (dǎting) - To ask about, to inquire discreetly. This is about gathering information, often informally, whereas `过问` is about official or authoritative inquiry.
• 不闻不问 (bù wén bù wèn) - An idiom meaning “to be indifferent to, to neither hear nor ask.” It describes a total lack of concern and is the complete opposite of `过问`.